New speed signs aimed at making school run safer

Cap: Dominic Sweeting from ModeShift STARS, Andrea Smith from Swinton Brookfield Academy and Swinton councillors Stuart Sansome, Victoria Cusworth and Ken Wyatt alongside Brookfield pupils.

FIVE more schools have benefitted from a new road safety scheme which changes the speed limit outside gates during school hours.

As schools in Rotherham return after the summer break, 20mph warning signs have been introduced outside Aston Academy, Bramley Sunnyside Juniors, Swinton Brookfield Academy, Harthill Primary and Thrybergh Primary.

The scheme urges traffic to slow down with warning triangle signs together with flashing amber warning lights, which indicate when the 20mph speed limit is in operation.

Outside of these periods, the speed limit will revert back to normal.

The scheme was introduced to a number of Rotherham schools last year.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for waste, roads and community safety, said: “We are rolling out these signs to raise motorists’ awareness when they are passing schools and encourage them to reduce their speed.

“If someone is hit by a car at 30mph, they are 50 per cent more likely to be killed.”

Swinton councillor Ken Wyatt, added: “I am glad to have these new advisory signs on Lime Grove outside Brookfield Academy to help remind motorists to drive safely and keep the welfare of children and residents walking to school at the forefront of their minds.”

A further five schemes will be introduced at Thorpe Hesley Junior and Infants, St Bede’s Primary, Meadow View Primary, Winterhill School, Kimberworth Primary and Ferham Primary.